Cost of Living in Christiansburg, VA

Population 22,820 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023

83
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Christiansburg sits on the smaller end of the Virginia city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Christiansburg is about 70 miles north of Winston-Salem, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 17% higher than Winston-Salem's $208,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 80
Rent 89

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Christiansburg

The median home value in Christiansburg is $242,900 — 20% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,171/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,451/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 68.5°F and lows of 47.6°F, with about 14.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Christiansburg has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$242,900
20% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$299,383
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,171/mo
11% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,759/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$970
1 BR
$989
2 BR
$1,200
3 BR
$1,645
4 BR
$1,885
Owner-occupied 60.6%
Renter-occupied 39.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,171
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,785/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.9 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.9%
Carpooled
7.8%
Public transit
0.0%
Walked
0.6%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
11.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 5.6%
State rate 4.3%
Avg local rate 1.3%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$75,451
1% above avg
Per Capita Income
$39,117
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
53% below avg
Poverty Rate
12.4%
Labor Force Participation
64.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.7%
Graduate degree 21.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.6
Male median age 37.8
Female median age 37.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
68.5°F
Avg Low
47.6°F
Annual Precip
42.8"
Annual Snowfall
14.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475159707784888780705950
Low °F 293138465563676659483832
Precip" 3.172.893.513.494.314.664.283.374.062.963.043.08
Snow" 4.34.82.30.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.13.2

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

90%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
21
Public schools
10,016
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Christiansburg, VA?

Christiansburg has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.

What is average rent in Christiansburg, VA?

The median gross rent in Christiansburg is $1,171 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Christiansburg?

The median home value in Christiansburg is $242,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Christiansburg?

The median household income in Christiansburg is $75,451 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Christiansburg, VA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Christiansburg is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Christiansburg, VA affordable?

Yes, Christiansburg is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Christiansburg?

Christiansburg has average high temperatures of 68.5°F and average lows of 47.6°F. Annual precipitation is 42.8". Average annual snowfall is 14.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Christiansburg at a Glance

Population
22,820
Median Income
$75,451
Home Value
$242,900
Median Rent
$1,171/mo
Unemployment
2.3%
Avg High Temp
68.5°F
Sales Tax
5.6%
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